Haiti's electoral council has ruled that hip-hop star Wyclef Jean is not eligible to run as a presidential candidate in the country's 28 November poll.
The singer-songwriter was left off the list of approved candidates because he did not meet the legal requirements to contest the election.
It was not immediately clear what requirements the council felt had not been met.
Mr Jean accepted the council’s decision.
‘Though I disagree with the ruling, I respectfully accept the committee's final decision, and I urge my supporters to do the same,’ he said in a statement.
Mr Jean said he had been inspired to run for president because he knew Haiti and believed it could become a great country with the right leadership.
‘But, ultimately, we must respect the rule of law in order for our island to become the great nation we all aspire for it to be,’ he said.
He assured his countrymen he would continue to work for Haiti's renewal.
‘Though the board has determined that I am not a resident of Haiti, home is where the heart is - and my heart has and will always be in Haiti,’ Mr Jean said.
The artist was among several dozen presidential candidates who faced challenges to their bids.
And although the council did not explain its decision, there had been concerns Mr Jean might not meet residency requirements because he lives primarily in the US. He also faces questions about US back taxes.
